Thank you for visiting a Washington State Patrol Web site. This Privacy Notice addresses collection, use, security, and access to information that may be obtained through use of a Washington State Patrol Web site. This notice covers the following topics:

• Information Collected and How it is Used
  
• Personal Information and Choice
  
• Public Access to Information
  
• Credit Card Transactions
  
• Cookies
  
• Security
  
• Disclaimer
  
• Contact Information

 
SECTION B. -- Information Collected and How it is Used

Information collected if you only browse this site.

If you do nothing during your visit but browse the Web site, we collect no information from you. Counters keep track of which pages are visited, but not who visits them.

This information helps us improve our Web services and understand how people use the services.

 
SECTION C. -- Personal Information and Choice

You may choose whether to provide personal information on-line.

"Personal information" is information about a natural person that is readily identifiable to that specific individual. Personal information includes such things as an individual's name, address, and phone number, but does not include the user's domain name or IP address.

We collect no personal information about you unless you voluntarily provide it by sending us e-mail, participating in a survey, or completing an on-line form. You may choose not to contact us by e-mail, participate in a survey, or provide any personal information using an on-line form. Your choice to not participate in these activities will not impair your ability to browse this Web site and read or download any information provided on the site.

Our Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) service requires further personal information for security and payment purposes.

If personal information is requested on the Web site or volunteered by the user, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, this information is a public record, and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not protected by federal or state law.

Users are cautioned that the collection of personal information requested or volunteered by children on-line or by e-mail will be treated the same as information given by an adult and may be subject to public access.

 
SECTION D. -- Public Access to Information

In the state of Washington, laws exist to ensure that government is open, and the public has a right to access appropriate records and information possessed by state government. At the same time, there are exceptions to the public's right to access public records that serve various needs, including the privacy of individuals. Exceptions are provided by both state and federal laws.

All of the information collected at this site is considered public information and may be subject to inspection and copying by members of the public. RCW 42.17.260(1) states that

Each agency, in accordance with published rules, shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records, unless the record falls within the specific exemptions of subsection (6) of this section [RCW 42.17.260(6)], RCW 42.17.310, 42.17.315, or other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific information or records. To the extent required to prevent an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy interests protected by RCW 42.17.310 and 42.17.315, an agency shall delete identifying details in a manner consistent with RCW 42.17.310 and 42.17.315 when it makes available or publishes any public record; however, in each case, the justification for the deletion shall be explained fully in writing.

In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Notice and the Public Records Act, the Public Records Act provision will control.

 
SECTION E. -- Public Access to Your Personal/Private Information

You must provide personal information to use the WATCH service. The information enables an account and/or payment. If you choose not to provide this information, we will be unable to provide criminal history information, and you will have to request the criminal history information in person or by mail with payment made by check.

RCW 42.17.255 and 42.17.310 prevents state agencies from disclosing personal/private information about you.

 
SECTION F. -- Your Right to Review and Correct Personally Identifiable Information

State law requires agencies that collect personal information to provide "procedures for correcting inaccurate information, including establishing mechanisms for individuals to review information about them and recommend changes in information they believe to be inaccurate." (RCW 43.105.310)

You can access any personal information we collect about you by using the information in the Contact Information section at the end of this Notice. You may correct factual errors in your personal information by submitting a written request. We will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections.

 
SECTION G. -- Credit Card Transactions

For certain transactions, a credit or debit card number may be required for payment. The number is validated and discarded by State Patrol systems. It is not retained in any Washington State Patrol data base. A transaction number is kept for historical purposes.

Credit and debit card numbers, electronic check numbers, card expiration dates, and other financial account numbers are exempt from public disclosure under RCW 42.17.310(ss) and (tt).

 
SECTION H. -- Cookies

To better serve our users, we may use "cookies" to customize your use of a Washington State Patrol Web site. Cookies are simple text files stored on your computer by your Web browser.

Cookies created on your computer by using this Web site do not contain personally identifying information and do not compromise your privacy or security. We use the cookie feature only to store a randomly generated identifying tag on your computer.

Most browser software can notify you before a Web site places a cookie on your computer. Some browsers will permit you to block the creation of cookie files altogether or provide the option of individually accepting or rejecting a cookie request. You may also want to periodically check and delete cookie files in the manner suitable for the browser you are using. Instructions to enable these features may be found in your browser's Help menu.

 
SECTION I. -- Security

The State Patrol - as developer and manager of this Web site - has taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and prevent unauthorized access to information maintained.

This information should not be construed in any way as giving business, legal, or other advice, or warranting as fail proof the security of information provided via State Patrol Web sites.

 
SECTION J. -- Disclaimer

Neither the state of Washington, any agency, officer, nor employee of the state of Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system nor endorses any content, viewpoints, products, or services linked from this system, and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity who relies on any information obtained from this system does so at their own risk.

 
SECTION K. -- Washington State Patrol Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about the accuracy of your personal information or that it is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, please contact the following:

For questions directly related to criminal history records data (WATCH), contact: crimhist@wsp.wa.gov

For other questions, contact: questions@wsp.wa.gov

Mailing address:

For other contact information, please use the "Contact Us" link on the menu bar.